Releasable vest

ABSTRACT

A releasable vest having a front panel; front shoulder strap elements that include at least one front shoulder strap attachment opening; a back panel; a first waist belt element and a second waist belt element that are releasably coupled to the front panel and extend from the front panel; at least one release loop that is capable of being passed through an opening formed in at least one of the waist belt elements and an opening formed in the front shoulder strap elements; and a release lanyard that is capable of being passed through the release loop so as to releasably secure the waist belt elements and the shoulder strap elements to the release loop.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/531,983, filed Nov. 3, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,801,458, which is aDivisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/735,479, filed Oct. 12, 2010,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,898,814, which claims the benefit of InternationalPatent Application Serial No. PCT/US2009/000243, filed Jan. 15, 2009,which claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/011,800, filed Jan.22, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to releasable vests or carriers. Inparticular, the present invention relates to an improved releasable vestor carrier that is easier to operate and has components that, uponrelease by a user, are more likely to separate and fall away from theuser than current releasable or cutaway vests.

2. Description of Related Art

Military and law enforcement personnel, particularly those attached tospecial operations unit, carry a large amount of specially designed andadapted gear on various vests or carriers. Because of the bulk andweight of certain tactical vests and body armor carriers, it issometimes necessary or desirable to be able to quickly remove the vestor carrier, particularly in an emergency situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, current releasable or cutaway vests typically include amultitude of components or panels that are connected via a plurality ofrelease cords that are intricately woven between the components in orderto keep the components connected.

In order for the various components or panels of a known, assembledcutaway vest to be released, the wearer must pull the release cord(s) asufficient distance such that the release cord(s) becomes unwoven fromthe various components and releases each of the components. This istypically difficult as there is a great deal of friction between therelease cord(s) and the cutaway vest components. Furthermore, therelease cord(s) typically have to be pulled a great distance in order tofully release the cutaway vest components.

The release cord(s) typically comprise metal or plastic cords with acircular cross-section. While cords having a circular cross-section maybe used, if a load is placed on the vest in an area above the locationof one of the cords, a pressure point can be formed, making the vestuncomfortable for the wearer of the vest.

In many of the current cutaway vests, even after the release cord(s)have been removed from the vest, the vest components remain firmlycoupled to one another via various large attachment areas, such as largeportions of Velcro. Thus, the “released” components still remain firmlycoupled to one another and must still be forcibly, manually separatedfrom one another before the cutaway vest can be removed from the user.

Therefore, the present invention relates generally to releasable vestsor carriers that are easier for a user to operate and have componentsthat, upon release, are more likely to separate and fall away from theuser than current cutaway vests.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the releasable vest orcarrier comprises at least some of a front panel, a back panel, and atleast one waist belt element extending from or coupled to either thefront panel or the back panel. A flexible release lanyard is used incombination with a release loop, such that when various components ofthe releasable vest or carrier are assembled, the components can bemaintained in an assembled relationship. When the flexible releaselanyard is pulled a predetermined distance, select components of thereleasable vest or carrier are released from the assembled relationshipand can fall away from the user.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, an additional safetylanyard may be included. In these exemplary embodiments, at least someof the components of the releasable vest or carrier cannot be releasedfrom the assembled relationship until both the safety lanyard and therelease lanyard are pulled a predetermined distance.

Accordingly, this invention provides a releasable vest of improveddesign.

This invention separately provides a vest, which is capable of allowinga user to more efficiently release, or “cut away”, the vest.

This invention separately provides a releasable vest, which, in certainexemplary embodiments, is capable of providing an increased level ofsecurity against accidental release.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are describedin or are apparent from the following detailed description of theexemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail,with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment ofa releasable vest according to this invention;

FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded front perspective view of a firstexemplary embodiment of a releasable vest according to this invention;

FIG. 3A shows a partially exploded front view of a first exemplaryembodiment of a releasable vest, illustrating a front panel flap in anopen position, according to this invention;

FIG. 3B shows a partial view of the releasable coupling of the waistbelt elements and the release lanyard according to this invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an assembled front panel and waist beltelements of a first exemplary embodiment of a releasable vest,illustrating the front panel flap in a closed but unsecured position,according to this invention;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the front panel of the releasable vest,illustrating a front panel flap in an open position;

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the front panel of the releasable vest,illustrating the front panel flap in a closed and secured position;

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the back panel of the releasable vest,illustrating a back panel flap in a closed but unsecured position;

FIG. 8 shows a front view of the back panel of the releasable vest,illustrating the back panel flap in a closed but unsecured position;

FIG. 9 shows an interior view of the back panel of a first exemplaryembodiment of a releasable vest according to this invention,illustrating the back panel flap in an open position and illustratingthe releasable coupling of the waist belt elements according to thisinvention;

FIG. 10 shows an interior view of the back panel of an additionalexemplary embodiment of a releasable vest according to this invention,illustrating the back panel flap in an open position and illustratingthe releasable coupling of the shoulder strap elements according to thisinvention;

FIG. 11A illustrates a front view of an assembled front panel and waistbelt elements of the additional exemplary embodiment of a releasablevest, illustrating the front panel flap in a partially opened position,according to this invention;

FIG. 11B illustrates a more detailed view of the slidably releasablebuckle of the additional exemplary embodiment of a releasable vestaccording to this invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of an assembled front panel and waistbelt elements of yet another exemplary embodiment of a releasable vest,illustrating the front panel flap in an opened position, according tothis invention;

FIG. 13A illustrates a partially exploded view of the slidablyreleasable coupling of the waist belt elements, shoulder strap elements,and release lanyard according to this invention;

FIG. 13B illustrates an assembled view of the slidably releasablecoupling of the waist belt elements, shoulder strap elements, andrelease lanyard to the second release loop according to this invention;

FIG. 14 shows a rear view of the front panel of an exemplary embodimentof the releasable vest, wherein the front panel includes an internalpocket; and

FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the back panel of an exemplary embodimentof the releasable vest, wherein the back panel includes an internalpocket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operatingprinciples of the releasable vest of this invention are explained withreference to various exemplary embodiments of a releasable vest. Thebasic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of thereleasable vest is applicable for the understanding, design, andoperation of the releasable vest of this invention.

It should also be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarification,the embodiments of this invention will be described using the terms“front” and “back”. However, it should be understood that these termsare merely used to aid in understanding of this invention are not to beconstrued as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of thisinvention. Thus, it should be appreciated that the design factors andoperating principles of the releasable vest described herein may be usedin a “mirror image” releasable vest, where in the elements described asbeing included in or on the front are included in or on the back.Alternatively certain of the elements that are described as beingincluded in or on the back of the releasable vast may be included in oron the front of the vest, or vice versa.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, for simplicity andclarification, the embodiments of this invention will be shown and/ordescribed with reference to MOLLE® and/or S.T.R.I.K.E.® compatiblewebbing being included on various portions of the releasable vest.However, it should be appreciated that the inclusion and/or placement ofany MOLLE® and/or S.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible webbing is not essential tothe releasable vest of this invention. In various exemplary,non-limiting embodiments of this invention, the releasable vest mayincorporate any type of known or later developed system capable ofallowing any number of exterior pouches, pockets, carriers, or the liketo be permanently or releasably coupled or attached to the vest.Alternatively, the design factors and principles of this invention maybe utilized in a vest that does not include any exterior pouches,pockets, or carriers, but is used as, for example, a ballistic platecarrier or a floatation device.

It should also be appreciated that the terms “releasable vest”, “vest”,and “carrier” are used for basic explanation and understanding of theoperation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention.Therefore, the terms “releasable vest”, “vest”, and “carrier” are not tobe construed as limiting the systems, methods, apparatuses, andapplications of this invention.

Turning now to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1 through 9 show variousfeatures of a first exemplary embodiment of a releasable vest accordingto this invention. As shown in the drawing figures, the releasable vest100 includes at least some of a front panel 110, front shoulder strapelements 112, a back panel 120, a first waist belt element 140, a secondwaist belt element 140′, a release loop 160, and a release lanyard 115.

The front panel 110 comprises at least a first layer 111 and a secondlayer 114, with a cavity formed between the first layer 111 and thesecond layer 114. An upper portion of the second layer 114 is attachedor coupled to the first layer 111 at an upper portion of the first layer111. In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated herein, a lowerportion of the second layer 114 extends beyond a point where the secondlayer 114 is attached or coupled to the first layer 111 to form a frontpanel flap portion 114′ of the second layer 114.

The front panel flap portion 114′ is formed so as to be secured orreleasably coupled to the first layer 111 by a releasable coupler 116.In various exemplary embodiments, the releasable coupler 116 maycomprise a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro. It should beappreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments the releasablecoupler 116 may comprise other releasable couplers or releasablefasteners, such as, for example, male/female snap-release buckles, aziplock fastening device, a zipper, buttons, snaps, or other fastening,closure, or attachment means known by those skilled in the art.

In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated herein, the front panelflap portion 114′ may be formed so as to extend beyond a lower portionof the first layer 111 and be releasably coupled to a first side of thefirst layer 111 (a side of the front panel 110 that faces towards thebody of a user wearing the releasable vest 100). Alternatively, thefront panel flap portion 114′ may be formed so as to be releasablycoupled to a second side of the first layer 111 (a side of the frontpanel 110 that faces away from the body of a user wearing the releasablevest 100).

In various exemplary embodiments, the front panel 110 may also comprisean additional layer of material 122, which provides an additionalcushioning or airflow layer to the front panel 110. Furthermore, thefront panel 110 may comprise a portion of attachment material 123, suchas, for example, a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro. The inclusionof a portion of attachment material 123 may allow for the releasableattachment of certain additional components, such as, for example,collars or other protective portions, to the front panel 110 of thereleasable vest 100.

The front panel 110 includes two front shoulder strap elements 112 thatextend from an upper portion of the front panel 110. In variousexemplary embodiments, the front shoulder strap elements 112 are formedas an integral part of the front panel 100. Alternatively, the frontshoulder strap elements 112 may be coupled or attached to the frontpanel 110.

In various exemplary embodiments, each of the front shoulder strapelements 112 includes a plurality of front shoulder strap attachmentopenings 113. In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the frontshoulder strap attachment openings 113 comprise slits or openings formedthrough the material of the front shoulder strap elements 112. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the attachment openings 113 arereinforced by, for example, stitching, a grommet, or other reinforcedeyelet.

The front shoulder strap attachment openings 113 allow the release loop160 to pass through the front shoulder strap elements 112 (as discussedbelow). In various exemplary embodiments, a single attachment opening113 may be included on each front shoulder strap element 112. However, aplurality of attachment openings 113 may be included to allow a user toselect a single attachment opening 113 to pass the release loop 160through, thereby providing a measure of adjustment to the effectivelength of the front shoulder strap elements 112 and the overall fit ofthe releasable vest 100.

In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 11A, and12, a MOLLE® and/or S.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible accessory mounting portion170′ is included on a portion of the second side of the first layer 111.It should be appreciated that the accessory mounting portion 170′ may beprovided in an area of the first layer 111 that is capable of beingcovered by the front panel flap portion 114′ of the second layer 114.

Additionally, a MOLLE® and/or S.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible accessorymounting portion 170 is included on the second side of the second layer114.

The back panel 120 comprises at least a first layer 121 and a secondlayer 124, with a cavity 130 formed between the first layer 121 and thesecond layer 124. An upper portion of the second layer 124 is attachedor coupled to the first layer 121 at an upper portion of the first layer121. In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated herein, a lowerportion of the second layer 124 extends beyond a point where the secondlayer 124 is attached or coupled to the first layer 121 to form a backpanel flap portion 124′ of the second layer 124.

In various exemplary embodiments, a panel coupling means 125 ispositioned so as to provide additional coupling of the first layer 121to the second layer 124. It should be appreciated that, in variousexemplary embodiments, the panel coupling means 125 may be any permanentor releasable coupling means, such as, for example, a grommet, afastener, a stitch or stitched portion, one or more male/femalesnap-release buckles, one or more buttons, snaps, or other fastening,closure, or attachment means known to those skilled in the art.

The back panel flap portion 124′ of the second layer 124 is formed so asto be secured or releasably coupled to the first layer 121 by areleasable coupler 126. In various exemplary embodiments, the releasablecoupler 126 may comprise a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro. Itshould be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments thereleasable coupler 126 may comprise other releasable couplers orreleasable fasteners, such as, for example, male/female snap-releasebuckles, a ziplock fastening device, a zipper, buttons, snaps, or otherfastening, closure, or attachment means known by those skilled in theart.

In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated herein, the back panelflap portion 124′ may be formed so as to extend beyond a lower portionof the first layer 121 and be releasably coupled to a first side of thefirst layer 121 (a side of the back panel 120 that faces towards thebody of a user wearing the releasable vest 100). Alternatively, the backpanel flap portion 124′ may be formed so as to be releasably coupled toa second side of the first layer 121 (a side of the back panel 120 thatfaces away from the body of a user wearing the releasable vest 100).

In various exemplary embodiments, the back panel 120 may also comprisean additional layer of material 122, which provides an additionalcushioning or airflow layer to the back panel 120. Furthermore, the backpanel 120 may comprise a portion of attachment material 123, such as,for example, a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro. The inclusion ofa portion of attachment material 123 may allow for the releasableattachment of certain additional components, such as, for example,collars or other protective portions, to the back panel 120 of thereleasable vest 100.

The back panel 120 comprises a tunnel or cavity 130 formed between atleast a portion of the first layer 121 and the second layer 124. In thismanner, at least a portion of the front shoulder strap elements 112 canbe introduced into an interior of the back panel 120 formed between atleast a portion of the first layer 121 and the second layer 124.

The waist belt elements 140 and 140′ serve to attach or couple the frontpanel 110 to the back panel 120. As illustrated in the drawing figures,the first waist belt element 140 is releasably attached or coupled tothe first layer 111 of the front panel 110, via the interaction of areleasable fastener 143 on waist belt attachment/adjustment portions 145of the first waist belt element 140 and corresponding releasablefastener 119 on the first layer 111 of the front panel 110. In variousexemplary embodiments, the releasable fastener 143 is positioned on afirst side of the first waist belt element 140 proximate a first end ofthe first waist belt element 140.

In various exemplary embodiments, the releasable fastener 143 and thecorresponding releasable fastener 119 comprise mating portions of a hookand loop fastener, such as Velcro®. It should be appreciated that, invarious exemplary embodiments, the releasable fastener 143 and thecorresponding releasable fastener 119 comprise other attachment means orreleasable fasteners, such as, for example, other hook-and-loopfasteners, male/female snap-release buckles, buttons, snaps, or otherfastening, closure, or other known or later developed fastening orattachment means.

In various exemplary embodiments, a second portion of a releasablefastener 143′ is included on a second side of the first waist beltelement 140 proximate the first end of the first waist belt element 140.Additionally, a second portion of corresponding releasable fastener 119′is included on an inner layer of the front panel flap portion 114′ ofthe second layer 114.

In this manner, each of the waist belt elements 140 and 140′ can bereleasably secured, on a first side, to the releasable fastener 119 onthe first layer 111 of the front panel 110. Optionally, each of thewaist belt elements 140 and 140′ may be further releasably secured, on asecond side, to the releasable fastener 119′ on an inner layer of thefront panel flap portion 114′ of the second layer 114.

In various exemplary embodiments, the waist belt elements 140 and/or140′ optionally include one or more elastic portions 147. If included,the elastic portion(s) 147 provide a measure of stretch or flex to thewaist belt elements 140 and 140′. While the elastic portion(s) 147 areillustrated as comprising three separate elastic portions attached orcoupled between sections of the waist belt elements 140 and/or 140′, itshould be appreciated that the elastic portion(s) 147 may comprise asingle elastic portion attached a couple between sections of the waistbelt elements 140 and/or 140′.

As Illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 13A, and 13B, the release loop 160 isattached or coupled to a portion of fabric or other material 165. Invarious exemplary embodiments, the release loop 160 comprises a loopmade of a fabric, metallic, plastic, or composite material. Optionally,a portion of releasable fastener 166, such as, for example, Velcro®, isincluded on the top side of the material 165. In this manner, theportion of material 165 may be attached or coupled to a first side ofthe first waist belt element 140 or the second waist belt element 140′,particularly after a portion of the release loop 160 is passed throughan appropriate waist belt attachment opening 142.

As further illustrated herein, each of the first waist belt element 140and the second waist belt element 140′ includes one or more waist beltattachment opening(s) 142, which are capable of including oraccommodating the release loop 160.

In certain exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the waist beltattachment opening(s) 142 comprise slits or openings formed through thematerial of the first waist belt element 140 and the second waist beltelement 140′. In certain exemplary embodiments, the waist beltattachment opening(s) 142 are reinforced by, for example, stitching, agrommet, or other reinforced eyelet.

The waist belt attachment opening(s) 142 allow the release loop 160 topass through the waist belt elements 140 and 140′ (as discussed below).In various exemplary embodiments, a single attachment opening 142 may beincluded on each waist belt elements 140 and 140′. However, a pluralityof waist belt attachment opening(s) 142 may be included to allow a userto select a single waist belt attachment opening 142 to pass the releaseloop 160 through, thereby providing a measure of adjustment to theeffective length of the waist belt element 140 or 140′ and the overallfit of the releasable vest 100.

The release lanyard 115 comprises an elongate piece of material having arelatively thin profile. By utilizing a release lanyard 115 having arelatively thin profile, the possibility of the release lanyard 115producing a pressure point on the user is greatly reduced. However, itshould be appreciated that the release lanyard 115 may have a round oroval shaped profile. In various exemplary embodiments, the releaselanyard 115 comprises a material having a relatively low coefficient ofdrag.

In various exemplary embodiments, the release lanyard 115 may comprise asingle piece of material that extends from a pull handle 115′ to aterminal end. Alternatively, the release lanyard 115 may comprise avariety of materials that are attached or coupled together to form therelease lanyard 115. For example, the elongate body portion of therelease lanyard 115 may be comprised of a different material from a pullhandle 115′.

In various exemplary embodiments, a portion of the exterior of the frontpanel 110, the back panel 120, and/or the waist belt elements 140 and140′ includes MOLLE® and/or S.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible webbing. However,it should be appreciated that the inclusion of any such MOLLE® and/orS.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible webbing is a design choice based on the desiredappearance and functionality of the releasable vest 100.

If, as illustrated herein, the waist belt elements 140 and 140′ includeMOLLE® and/or S.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible webbing 144 and 144′,respectively, an accessory pouch or carrier, such as, for example, anarmor plate carrier 190 for holding an armor plate 198 may be coupled toone or both of the waist belt elements 140 and 140′. As illustrated inFIG. 4, an armor plate carrier 190 may be coupled, via coupling members150, to the second waist belt element 140′. As illustrated, the armorplate carrier 190 is placed adjacent the second waist belt element 140′,such that waist belt webbings 144′ are within the spaces between spacedapart armor plate carrier webbings 194 (and the armor plate carrierwebbings 194 are within spaces between the spaced apart waist beltwebbings 144′) and corresponding plate carrier tunnel segments and waistbelt tunnel segments are aligned, the coupling member 150 may beinterwoven between the aligned plate carrier tunnel segments and waistbelt tunnel segments to removably couple the second waist belt element140′ to the armor plate carrier webbing 194, similarly to the methoddescribed above with reference to FIG. 11A.

It should be appreciated that while the armor plate carrier 190 isillustrated as being coupled to a second side of the second waist beltelement 140′, the armor plate carrier 190, or any other accessory oraccessory carrier, may be coupled to any portion of MOLLE® and/orS.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible webbing on the releasable vest 100. Forexample, the armor plate carrier 190 may be coupled to the MOLLE® and/orS.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible accessory mounting portion 170′ included on thesecond side of the first layer 111, such that the armor plate carrier190 is coupled between the front panel 110 and the first waist beltelement 140 or the second waist belt element 140′.

In various exemplary embodiments, the front panel 110, the back panel120, and/or the waist belt elements 140 and 140′ may include a pocket orplate carrier, such as, for example, a front pocket 180 and/or a backpocket 182. However, it should be appreciated that the inclusion of anysuch pocket or plate carrier is a design choice based on the desiredappearance and functionality of the releasable vest 100.

If the back pocket 182 is included, the panel coupling means 125 mayserve as a drain hole for the back pocket 182. Additionally, if thefront pocket 180 and/or additional waist belt elements 140 and 140′include one or more pockets, additional panel coupling means (not shown)may be included to provide drainage for each of the pockets.

One optional method for assembling the elements of the releasable vest100 includes first securing the waist belt elements 140 and 140′ to thefront panel 110, as discussed above.

Then, the back panel flap portion 124′ is lifted and the waist beltelements 140 and 140′ are positioned atop the lower portion of the firstlayer 121, such that the release loop 160 can be aligned with and passedthrough the appropriate waist belt attachment openings 142 of the waistbelt elements 140 and 140′.

When the release loop 160 has been passed through the aligned waist beltattachment openings 142, an end of a first front shoulder strap element112 is introduced into an interior tunnel or cavity 130 of the backpanel 120 and passed through the tunnel or cavity 130 of the back panel120 such that the release loop 160 can be aligned with and passedthrough an appropriate front shoulder strap attachment opening 113.

When an appropriate front shoulder strap attachment opening 113 has beenaligned with the release loop 160, the release loop 160 is passedthrough the aligned front shoulder strap attachment opening 113.

Once the release loop 160 has been passed through a front shoulder strapattachment opening 113 of a first front shoulder strap element 112(identified in FIG. 13B as first shoulder strap element 112), an end ofa second front shoulder strap element 112 is passed through an interiortunnel or cavity 130 of the back panel 120 and the release loop 160 ispassed through an appropriately aligned front shoulder strap attachmentopening 113 of the second front shoulder strap element 112 (identifiedin FIG. 13B as second shoulder strap element 112′).

When the release loop 160 has been passed through the desired waist beltattachment opening 142 of the waist belt elements 140 and 140′ and thedesired front shoulder strap attachment openings 113 of the frontshoulder strap elements 112 and 112′, a portion of the release lanyard115 is passed through the release loop 160 to secure the waist beltelements 140 and 140′ and the front shoulder strap elements 112 and 112′together, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

In various exemplary embodiments, the release lanyard 115 follows a paththat parallels the path taken by one of the front shoulder strapelements 112. To maintain an appropriate position of the release lanyard115, release lanyard guides, such as, for example, release lanyardguides 118, may be included on various portions of the front shoulderstrap elements 112. Alternatively, similar release lanyard guides may beincluded in the interior of the back panel 120, attached or couple toeither the first layer 121 or the second layer 124.

In various exemplary embodiments, the release lanyard 115 is of asufficient length such that when the releasable lanyard 115 is passedthrough the release loop 160, the pull handle 115′ is at least partiallycovered by a release lanyard cover 117. The release lanyard cover 117provides at least some measure of security that the release lanyard 115is not accidentally pulled.

In various exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the releaselanyard 115 includes a frictional surface (not shown). The frictionalsurface, if included, can provide a certain amount of resistance to therelease lanyard 115 being pulled from the releasable vest 100 and/or therelease lanyard cover 117, when the releasable vest 100 is fullyassembled.

It should be appreciated that the order in which the components of thereleasable vest 100 are described as being assembled may be altered sothat a user is able to achieve the best fit of the releasable vest 100.For example, as described in shown herein, the release loop 160 may bereleasably coupled to the remaining first waist belt element 140 beforethe release loop 160 is releasably coupled to the shoulder strapelements 112. Alternatively, the release loop 160 may first bereleasably coupled to the shoulder strap elements 112 before the releaseloop 160 is releasably coupled to the remaining first waist belt element140.

When the waist belt elements 140 and 140′ and the shoulder strapelements 112 and 112′ have been releasably coupled, via the releasablelanyard 115, to the releasable loop 160, the back panel flap portion124′ is closed and secured, via releasable coupler 126, to the firstlayer 121.

Because the assembled combination of the waist belt elements 140 and140′ and the shoulder strap elements 112 is relatively free-floatingwith respect to the back panel 120, the panel coupling means 125, ifincluded, may provide an upper limit for the assembled combination ofthe waist belt elements 140 and 140′ and the shoulder strap elements112, such that these elements may be held in a desired position relativeto the back panel 120.

When the elements of the releasable vest 100 have been assembled, theassembled releasable vest 100 may be donned or removed by a userutilizing the waist belt attachment/adjustment portions 145.Alternatively, if the waist belt elements 140 and/or 140′ are formedintegral to the front panel 110, an elastic portion of the waist beltelements 140 and/or 140′ may provide sufficient flex to allow thereleasable vest 100 to be donned or removed by the user.

If a wearer wishes to quickly remove the releasable vest 100, thereleasable lanyard 115 need only be pulled a relatively short distance.When the pull handle 115′ of the releasable lanyard 115 is pulled, therelease lanyard 115 is slidably pulled from the release loop 160, andthe waist belt elements 140 and 140′ and front shoulder strap elements112 are able to separate from the release loop 160, and the back panel120. Thus, when the pull handle 115′ is pulled, the elements of thereleasable vest 100 are released and the vest can “fall away” from thebody of the user.

In various exemplary embodiments, the releasable vest 100 may furthercomprise a second, safety lanyard (not shown), which may also beslidably passed through the release loop 160. The safety lanyardoperates similarly to the release lanyard 115. However, the safetylanyard, if utilized, requires that a second obstruction be removed fromthe release loop 160 before the elements of the releasable vest 100 areable to separate from the release loop 160.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the safety lanyard may comprise a loopof material or a ring, such as, for example, a locking or snapcarabiner, that is slidably passed through the release loop 160 afterthe elements of the releasable vest 100 have been slidably releasablycoupled to the release loop 160. In various exemplary embodiments,release of the safety lanyard may require access through the back panelflap portion 124′.

It is possible that a safety lanyard be used in place of the releaselanyard 115. In this manner, the releasable features and capabilities ofthe vest are overcome and the elements remain coupled until the safetylanyard is removed.

In various exemplary embodiments, instructions for assembling and/oroperating the releasable vest 100 may be included on the first layer 121or on an inside layer or surface of the back panel flap portion 124′. Inthis manner, when the back panel flap portion 124′ is lifted so that auser is able to assemble the components of the releasable vest 100,instructions for the assembly and/or operation of the releasable vest100 are provided. The instructions may be provided in written,pictorial, diagram, or a combination of forms.

Alternatively, instructions for assembling and/or operating thereleasable vest 100 may be included on the second layer 124 of the backpanel 120. The instructions may be provided in written, pictographic,diagram, symbolic, or a combination of forms and may, for example,include a pictorial outline of certain of the components illustratingthe relationship of each of the components when assembled orillustrating how the components are to be assembled.

While optional instructions have been described as being included on theinside layer or surface of the back panel flap portion 124′ or the firstlayer 121 of the back panel 120, the optional instructions may beincluded on any covered or exposed surface of any component of thereleasable vest 100.

While not illustrated herein, in various exemplary embodiments, thereleasable vest 100 may comprises a first release loop 160 and a secondrelease loop 162 (not shown), both of which are attached or coupled toone of the waist belt elements 140 and 140′. It should be appreciatedthat the first release lanyard 160 and the second release loop 162 (notshown) operate similarly to the release loop 160, as described above.

However, with the inclusion of the second release loop 162 (not shown),certain components may be releasably coupled to the first release loop160 while certain other components are releasably coupled to the secondrelease loop 162 (not shown). For example, the remaining first waistbelt element 140 may be releasably slidably coupled to the first releaseloop 160, while the front shoulder strap elements 112 may be releasablyslidably coupled to the second release loop 162 (not shown).

In this manner, the releasable lanyard 115 may be passed through thefirst release loop 160 and a second release loop 162 (not shown) tosecure the front shoulder strap elements 112 and the waist belt elements140 and 140′, respectively.

Utilizing a first release loop 160 and a second release loop 162 (notshown), when the release lanyard 115 is pulled a first distance, theelements of the releasable vest 100 that are coupled to the firstrelease loop 160 are able to separate from the first release loop 160.Then, when the release lanyard 115 is pulled a second distance, theelements of the releasable vest 100 that are coupled to the secondrelease loop 162 (not shown) are able to separate from the secondrelease loop 162 (not shown).

In this manner, certain of the components of the releasable vest 100 arereleased from the assembled relationship when the release lanyard 115 ispulled a first predetermined distance. When the release lanyard 115 ispulled a second predetermined distance, certain remaining components ofthe releasable vest 100 are released from the assembled relationship.

If, for example, the release lanyard 115 is accidentally pulled, it ispossible that only one of the waist belt elements 140 will be releasedfrom the second release loop 162 (not shown), alerting the user to thefact that the release lanyard 115 has been accidentally pulled, beforeall of the elements of the releasable vest 100 are released from theirassembled relationship.

FIGS. 10 through 12 show an additional exemplary embodiment of areleasable vest according to this invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 10through 12, the releasable fastener 143 and 143′ on waist beltattachment/adjustment portions 145 and 145′ of the waist belt elements140 and 140′, as well as the corresponding releasable fastener 119 onthe first layer 111 of the front panel 110 are removed. As illustratedin FIGS. 10 through 12, the releasable fastener 143 and 143′ is replacedby a buckle 175 having a buckling element 177. Furthermore, thereleasable fastener 119 is replaced by a MOLLE® and/or S.T.R.I.K.E.®compatible accessory mounting portion 170′ that extends through in anarea of the first layer 111 that is capable of being covered by thefront panel flap portion 114′ of the second layer 114.

Thus, the first waist belt element 140 is releasably coupled or attachedto the first layer 111 of the front panel 110, via a coupling member150.

Each coupling member 150 comprises an elongate portion of materialhaving a first end portion 152, an intermediate portion 155, and asecond end portion 156. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, a hook 153 is formedintegral to a portion of the first end portion 152 and a hook 157 isformed integral to a portion of the second end portion 156.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the coupling member 150comprises a coupling member as described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/703,882, entitled Modular Equipment Coupler, filed Feb. 8, 2007,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 12, the first waist belt element 140,and possibly the second waist belt element 140′ is coupled to the firstlayer 111 of the front panel 110, via the accessory mounting portion170′.

In order to couple the waist belt element 140 and/or 140′ to the frontpanel 110, the waist belt element 140 or 140′, the coupling member 150is first interwoven between panel tunnel segments (or merely insertedbetween the MOLLE® and/or S.T.R.I.K.E.® compatible webbing segments andthe surface of the front panel 110) to removably couple the couplingmember 150 to the accessory mounting portion 170′.

Once the coupling member 150 has been removably coupled to the accessorymounting portion 170′, the hooks 153 and 157 may optionally be placedaround a first and/or a last accessory mounting portion 170′,respectively, to further secure the coupling member 150 within the paneltunnel segments.

It should be understood that since the total number of spaced apartaccessory mounting portions 170′ may vary, the total length of thecoupling member 150 may vary.

Once the coupling member 150 has been removably coupled to the accessorymounting portion 170′, the buckle 175 can be attached to the couplingmember 150, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 12.

It should be appreciated that, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 11B,the buckle 175 may be used to attach or couple only one waist beltelement 140 or 140′ to the accessory mounting portion 170′.Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the buckle 175 may be utilizedin connection with the first waist belt element 140 and the second waistbelt element 140′ and used to separately attach or couple both waistbelt elements 140 and 140′ to the accessory mounting portion 170′.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a more detailed view of a release loop 160 beingutilized in conjunction with the waist belt elements 140 and 140′, thefront shoulder strap elements 112 and 112′, and the release lanyard 115according to this invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the release loop 160 is attached orcoupled to a portion of material 165. The overall size and shape of theportion of the material 165 is such that the attached release loop 160will not be pulled through any of the waist belt attachment openings 142or the shoulder strap attachment openings 113.

The optional portion of releasable fastener 166, included on the topside of the material 165, allows the portion of material 165 to beattached or coupled to a first side of the first waist belt element 140or the second waist belt element 140′, particularly after a portion ofthe release loop 160 is passed through an appropriate waist beltattachment openings 142.

Alternatively, the material 165 may include an aperture or other meansformed in or on the material 165 that allows the material 165 to beattached or coupled to a portion of a waist belt element or otherelement of the vest 100. In this manner, the material 165 and releaseloop 160 may be kept with an element of the vest 100 so as not to beinadvertently lost. For example, a piece of 550 cord may be used tocouple the material 165 to the second waist belt element 140′.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the material 165 may comprise a loopor ring of material, such as metal or plastic loop or ring, that isattached or coupled to the release loop 160 such that the overall sizeand shape of the loop or ring is such that the attached release loop 160will not be pulled through any of the waist belt attachment openings 142or the shoulder strap attachment openings 113. Alternatively, therelease loop may be knotted at one end, stitched over upon itself, orstitched to another material so as to provide sufficient size to aportion of the release loop 160 such that the release loop 160 will notbe pulled completely through any of the waist belt attachment openings142 or the shoulder strap attachment openings 113.

As illustrated, the release loop 160 may comprise a loop of material,such as, for example, 550 cord or webbing material, that is sewn orotherwise attached to the portion of material 165 such that the releaseloop 160 is kept from passing through the waist belt attachment openings142.

In these exemplary embodiments, both the first waist belt element 140and the second waist belt element 140′ include one or more waist beltattachment opening(s) 142. During assembly, the appropriate waist beltattachment openings 142 and the appropriate front shoulder strapattachment openings 113 are aligned and the release loop 160 is passedthrough the aligned waist belt attachment openings 142 and frontshoulder strap attachment opening 113. Once a portion of the releaseloop 160 has passed through the openings, sufficient that a portion ofthe release lanyard 115 may be passed through the release loop 160 tosecure the waist belt elements 140 and 140′ and the front shoulder strapelements 112 and 112′ together, the release loop 160 is maintained inposition via the release lanyard 115 and the knot or other obstructionformed in the release loop 160.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show exemplary embodiments of a releasable vest whereinthe exemplary front pocket 180 and back pocket 182 are replaced orsupplemented by a front internal pocket 280 and a back internal pocket282, respectively. In these exemplary embodiments, the first layer 111of the front panel 110 comprises a front internal pocket 280, which isaccessible when the front panel flap portion 114′ of the second layer114 is opened. Likewise, the first layer 121 of the back panel 120comprises a back internal pocket 282, which is accessible when the backpanel flap portion 124′ of the second layer 124 is opened.

Items, such as, for example, body armor plates 199 may be inserted inthe front internal pocket 280 and/or the back internal pocket 282. Oncethe items are inserted, the front panel flap portion 114′ and/or theback panel flap portion 124′ can be closed to secure the items withinthe front internal pocket 280 and/or the back internal pocket 282.

It should be appreciated that the inclusion of any external and/orinternal pocket or plate carrier is a design choice based on the desiredappearance and functionality of the releasable vest 100.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with theexemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Such adaptations and modifications should and areintended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalentsof the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that thephraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. Accordingly, the foregoingdescription of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forthabove, is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes,modifications, and/or adaptations may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention.

1. A releasable vest, comprising: a front panel with a front accesspanel portion; shoulder strap elements releasably attached to the frontpanel; a back panel with a back access panel portion; a first waist beltelement releasably attached or coupled to a portion of the front panel;a second waist belt element releasably attached or coupled to a portionof the front panel; and a release lanyard, wherein the release lanyardextends from a pull handle to a terminal end for releasing the abovecomponents from one another, the release lanyard having a thin profile.2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. A releasable vest, comprising: a frontpanel comprising at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein thefirst layer of the front panel includes at least a portion of areleasable fastener, wherein an upper portion of the second layer isattached to the first layer, and wherein a portion of the second layerextends beyond an area where the second layer is attached or coupled tothe first layer to form a front access panel portion of the secondlayer; shoulder strap elements that extend from the front panel, whereineach of the shoulder strap elements includes at least one shoulder strapattachment opening formed therethrough; a back panel comprising at leasta first layer and a second layer, wherein an upper portion of the secondlayer is attached to the first layer such that a cavity is formedbetween at least a portion of the first layer and the second layer suchthat at least a portion of the shoulder strap elements is introducedinto the cavity formed between at least a portion of the first layer andthe second layer, and wherein a portion of the second layer extendsbeyond an area where the second layer is attached or coupled to thefirst layer to form a back access panel portion of the second layer,wherein a releasable coupler releasably couples the back access panelportion of the second layer to the first layer, and wherein a panelcoupler or stitch that couples the first layer of the back paneldirectly to the second layer of the back panel; a first waist beltelement releasably attached or coupled, via interaction between thereleasable fastener of the first layer of the front panel andcorresponding releasable fastener of the first waist belt element, to aportion of the front panel such that the first waist belt elementextends from a portion of the front panel, wherein the first waist beltelement comprises at least one waist belt element attachment openingformed therethrough, and wherein a releasable coupler releasably couplesthe front access panel portion of the second layer to the first layer soas to cover at least a portion of the first waist belt element; a secondwaist belt element releasably attached or coupled, via interactionbetween the releasable fastener of the first layer of the front paneland corresponding releasable fastener of the second waist belt element,to a portion of the front panel such that the second waist belt elementextends from a portion of the front panel, and wherein the second waistbelt element comprises at least one waist belt element attachmentopening formed therethrough; a release loop having an associatedobstruction of a sufficient size and shape so as to keep a portion ofthe release loop from passing through the waist belt attachment openingsof the first waist belt element and the second waist belt element,wherein the associated obstruction is a knot formed in the release loop,and wherein at least a portion of the release loop is capable of beingaligned with and passed through the at least one waist belt attachmentopening of each of the waist belt elements and the at least one shoulderstrap attachment opening of each of the shoulder strap elements; and arelease lanyard, wherein the release lanyard extends from a pull handleforward of a shoulder to a terminal end, wherein at least a portion ofthe release lanyard is capable of being aligned with and passed throughthe release loop so as to releasably secure the first waist belt elementand the at least one shoulder strap element to the release loop, andwherein the panel coupler is located proximate a central portion of theback panel and provides an upper limit for an assembled combination ofthe first waist belt element, the second waist belt element, and theshoulder strap elements.
 5. A releasable vest, comprising: a front panelwith a front access panel portion; shoulder strap elements releasablyattached to the front panel; a back panel with a back access panelportion; a first waist belt element releasably attached or coupled to aportion of the front panel; a second waist belt element releasablyattached or coupled to a portion of the front panel; and a releaselanyard, wherein the release lanyard extends from a pull handle to aterminal end for releasing the above components from one another, therelease lanyard having an oval profile.
 6. A method of releasing a vestaccording to claim 1 from a user wearing the vest, the method comprisingpulling the thin lanyard releasing the vest components and the vest fromthe user.